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New Light Bulb Cuts Energy Usage In Half, Doubles Light Output

Philips has developed a new light bulb, which it claims is the “most energy efficient” to date and could spell the end for fluorescent lights.

The electronics giants unveiled the LED prototype, which will be used for general lighting applications and supposedly will be twice as powerful and efficient as standard bulbs used day to day.

The prototype produces 200 lumens per watt, opposed to the conventional 100 lumens per watt found in usual bulbs. Lumens per watt refer to luminous efficacy, which is a measure of how well a bulb produces light. Philips’ new bulb could potentially double the strength of the light emitted while not requiring more energy, thus saving more and more power and ultimately money.

According to Philips’ study, over 19% of the earth’s energy consumption is from lighting.

“This again is a major breakthrough in LED lighting and will further drive the transformation of the lighting industry,” said Rene van Schooten, CEO of Light Sources & Electronics at Philips Lighting, in a statement.

He added: “After being recognized for our quality of LED light (mimicking traditional light bulbs) to creating new experience with Philips Hue (the connected light system for the home), we now present the next innovative step in doubling lighting efficiency. It’s exciting to imagine the massive energy and cost savings it will bring to our planet and customers.”

The study further claims that if widespread switches were made to these light bulbs in the US, followed by worldwide, we could cut down drastically on emissions and save a staggering amount of energy.

The prototype is intended for mass production and market availability by 2015. The bulb will be made available to industry applications initially with domestic models available soon after.

Jonathan Keane

Jonathan Keane is a engineering enthusiast. You can also find Jonathan on Google+.